Hats off, once again, to the volunteers hosting the sixth annual Trooper Hill Toy Drive.

Children who might not otherwise receive much or anything for Christmas should get something, thanks to their efforts.

For a third year, the Salvation Army teamed up with the Trooper Hill Toy Drive to give thousands of toys to nearly 500 children in Franklin and Southampton County. Toys were distributed last week from the Franklin Sportsman’s Association building on South Street.

Other sponsors for this year’s drive were Franklin Cops for Kids, Fraternal Order of Police and Walmart.

The Trooper Hill Toy Drive was initiated in memory of Virginia State Police Trooper Robert Hill Sr., who was killed the day after Thanksgiving in 2006 while conducting a traffic stop on Route 58 in southwest Southampton County.

A trooper for 19 years, Hill was known for his compassion and generosity, and spearheading a program of Christmas donations to children in Southampton’s Head Start program.

Families receive toys by signing up with social service departments in Franklin and Southampton County. Volunteers then take them around the room where all the toys and other items are stored.

By the end of the final day, there seemed to be a lot left over. That’s not a bad thing. Most of the items can be stored for next year, and maybe the need is lessening.